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The school attended by 19-year-old Private Christopher Kershaw, before he joined the army, has paid tribute to the man, who died alongside five colleagues on Tuesday evening.

Tom Megahy, associate principal of Hanson School, said: "We were very proud of the young man he became and the service he has given to our country. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues at their tragic loss."

A moving tribute has been made to six British soldiers killed in Afghanistan by the commanding officer of the unit hit hardest by the latest deaths.

Lt Colonel Zac Stenning, of 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, read a eulogy to the men outside Battlesbury Barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire. Five of the soldiers were from the Battalion.

As their commanding officer of a tight knit family regiment, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to my incredibly brave men, and to offer my deepest condolences to their families, and to their many friends.

A young soldier killed in Afghanistan had been expecting his first child. Friends of Private Daniel Wade, 20, said he had been "really excited" at the prospect of becoming a father with his girlfriend, Emma.

Friend Lewis Dixon, 20, said: "Daniel was a cadet, the Army was his dream. I saw him in town ... he was talking to me, saying his girlfriend was pregnant. She is having a girl. He was really excited. He was happy, really excited about it, it seemed he could not wait to get back."

Private Daniel Wade Credit: Ministry of Defence

Mr Dixon, a former soldier himself before being medically discharged, added: "In the Army you are not just a soldier, you are a band of brothers. It has hit a lot of people massively. He was popular and lovable - you couldn't speak to him without a smile on your face. He's done his duty."

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Melanie Williams, headteacher at Royds Hall High School, paid tribute to Pte Frampton. She said: "Anthony left Royds Hall in 2007 and is fondly remembered by staff as a memorable young man with a strong character and a real sense of humour.

"Friendly and polite, he was also caring and compassionate towards other students. Anthony will always be remembered by the school community with pride and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

Our reporter Robert Murphy has been in the town of Warminster today as the names of five soldiers killed in Afghanistan were named. He has been speaking to locals. Warminster mum Amy Hawley, whose father knew some of the dead, was shocked by the news.

It was heartbreaking seeing the pictures of the five men. They were so young.